What are the advantages of studying project management?

Studying project management can help you develop widely transferable skills like leadership, project budgeting, setting deadlines and priorities, people management, risk mitigation, and more.

Which is better, a PMP or a master's in project management?

Both options can accelerate your career. You can earn Aa project management professional (PMP) certification can be earned in less time than a masterand 's, and it is widely recognized as a valuable asset. However, Aa master's degree program provides deeper expertise in project management policies and best practices.

What classes will I take in an online master's in project management program?

Online project management programs typically cover the fundamental principles of the field, like impact analysis, sustainability, risk procurement, scheduling and scope, stakeholder engagement, leadership, and data analysis.

Best Online Master’s in Project Management Programs of 2025

Looking for an exciting career that lets you take the lead and make a difference? Check out these top online project management master’s degrees.

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Updated April 22, 2024

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Are you one of those rare folks who can see the big picture and all the details that go into it? A visionary who can map out each step on the path to realizing your vision?

Then you have the makings of an excellent project manager. Maybe you should consider earning an online master’s degree in project management. Every business in every industry needs skilled project managers who can plan, budget, organize, supervise, and execute major business projects. A 2021 report by the Project Management Institute (PMI) projects that the global economy will need 25 million new project professionals by 2030.

A master’s degree from one of these top online project management programs can position you for a great career in project management.

Featured Online Master’s in Project Management Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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In this Article

Best Online Master’s in Project Management Programs of 2025

Georgetown University

Washington, DC4 yearCampus + Online

$56,592

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$56,592

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

13%

Acceptance Rate

24%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$61,872

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$61,872

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

20,392

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$56,592

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,592

Georgetown University

Washington, DC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$56,592

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,592

Acceptance Rate

13%

Online Enrollment

24%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$61,872

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$61,872

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

20,392

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

George Washington University

Washington, DC4 yearCampus + Online

$33,930

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$33,930

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

44%

Acceptance Rate

25%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$60,856

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,856

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

25,568

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$33,930

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,930

George Washington University

Washington, DC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$33,930

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,930

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

25%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$60,856

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,856

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

25,568

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Brandeis University

Waltham, MA4 yearCampus + Online

$55,104

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$55,104

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

35%

Acceptance Rate

39%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$61,724

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$61,724

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

5,302

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$55,104

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$55,104

Brandeis University

Waltham, MA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$55,104

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$55,104

Acceptance Rate

35%

Online Enrollment

39%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$61,724

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$61,724

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

5,302

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS4 yearCampus + Online

$9,989

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$23,951

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

88%

Acceptance Rate

46%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,294

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,500

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

28,406

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,989

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,951

University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,989

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,951

Acceptance Rate

88%

Online Enrollment

46%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,294

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,500

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

28,406

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$5,765

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,109

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

85%

Acceptance Rate

67%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,320

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,560

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

21,403

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,765

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,109

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,765

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,109

Acceptance Rate

85%

Online Enrollment

67%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,320

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,560

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

21,403

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why Should I Get an Online Project Management Degree?

You don’t need a master’s in project management to become a project manager. That’s one reason to get it — you’ll be far more qualified than your peers.

Pay is another big plus. According to Payscale, project managers with a master’s degree make about 13% more per year than those with a bachelor’s degree in project management.

Benefits of a Master’s in Project Management

Boost your salary and potential lifetime earnings
Advance your project management career with a more prestigious degree
Improve your project management skills
Increase your chances of employability

Reasons to Get Your Master’s in Project Management Online

Learn from wherever you want
Keep working while you study
Flexibility improves work-life balance
Better for neurodivergent learning styles

How Long Does an Online Master’s in Project Management Take?

An online master’s in project management takes 2-3 years to finish. The timeline can change depending on a few different factors:

Credit requirements
The pace of the coursework
If you’re a full-time or part-time student
If you’re in an accelerated project management program

Timeline for a Master’s Degree

Average Length of Time

2-3 years*

Required Course Credits

30-60 credits*

*Varies depending on your school/program

Related Master’s in Project Management Degree Concentrations

As you research and select an online program, it’s important to carefully consider your career goals. Look for areas of specialization that align with your interests.

Here are five common project management degree concentrations that can make you more marketable in specific fields:

IT Project Management
Expect to learn about tech project governance, software development methodologies, and information technology infrastructure management.
Leadership and Team Management
Develop leadership and people skills by understanding conflict resolution, team dynamics, communication strategies, and theories of motivation.
Risk Management
Prepare to guide teams and businesses through thorny risk scenarios and uncertain times. Topics generally include risk analysis, risk management, and risk mitigation.
Healthcare Project Management
Apply project management principles within a complex healthcare industry by mastering healthcare regulations, information systems, and processes.
Agile Project Management
Learn to manage projects in dynamic environments where project demands and customer needs may change quickly. The focus is on adaptability, iteration, and flexibility.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Master’s Degree in Project Management?

A project management degree will provide excellent transferable skills that contribute to many careers. At most jobs, you will oversee projects, develop strategies, and coordinate tasks for team members. This makes project management a great starting point for most careers. However, some of the roles presented in the chart below will require additional certifications and experience to qualify.

Project Management Careers & Salaries
Job Title	Average Salary (Sept. 2024)
Project Manager (IT)	$94,222
Operations Manager	$73,068
Project Engineer	$75,710
Quality Manager	$88,476
Senior Business Analyst	$90,792

Source: Payscale

Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Project Management

You don’t need a master’s degree to be a project manager, but having one is a significant advantage. A master’s degree gives you substantial credibility and expertise, increasing your chances of getting a job. Employers are more likely to favor someone with a master’s degree than a bachelor’s degree, which is the usual minimum requirement for project managers.